LSU fans will need more than a ticket to get into Tiger Stadium this fall.

The school announced Tuesday that to gain entry fans will have to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test for the virus administered within 72 hours prior to kickoff.

The lone exception will be children younger than 12 years old because the vaccine is not available for that age group.

However, the school will require face masks for ages 5-11 and encourage them for those younger.

LSU is the first school in the Southeastern Conference and the third Power Five school to announce such stadium-entry restrictions.

“We have the best fans in college football, and we are doing everything we can to ensure their experience in Tiger Stadium this fall is safe and enjoyable,” LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward said in a school news release. “When our fans arrive on Saturdays to cheer on the Tigers, they will have confidence that we have taken measures to mitigate their health risks.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccine on Monday, triggering nationwide public and private mandates. The Superdome last week made a similar requirement for entry to events like New Orleans Saints and Tulane University football games.

Woodward noted that the LSU football team and staff is 99.1 percent vaccinated. The LSU student body will also have to show proof of vaccination by Sept. 10 to attend, or submit a doctor’s note citing a reason for medical exemption. They have until Oct. 15 for proof of full vaccination.

“We are confident our fans will do the same,” he said, “and I encourage all Tiger fans to receive vaccinations today.”

LSU’s first home game is Sept. 11 against McNeese State.

Proof of at least one dose of the vaccine will be required, and can come from the vaccination card or a photo or photocopy of it or in a sanctioned mobile app.

For the unvaccinated, proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test can be provided either digitally or with the hard copy.

“While we are aware of the diverse perspectives across the nation regarding masks and vaccinations, we must take all reasonable measures to protect our campus and community, not only on game days, but long after guests have left Tiger Stadium,” LSU President William F. Tate IV said. “The current threat to our lives, our health, and to our medical systems due to COVID-19 is overburdening our hospitals, and we must do our part to stop the spread.”

Louisiana has reported that 40 percent of its residents are fully vaccinated.

As of Tuesday, 3,814 new COVID-19 cases were being reported in Louisiana, while 2,856 people in the state were hospitalized with the virus, the Louisiana Department of Health said.

Those not fully vaccinated accounted for 80 percent of COVID-19 deaths from Aug. 5-11, the department said.